Togo records huge turnout at anti-govt protest despite internet setback

Images from the Togolese capital, Lome, shows hundreds of thousands of citizens have turned out for the latest
round of anti-government protest called by main opposition parties.

An opposition leader, Jean-Pierre Fabre is quoted as describing the turnout as ‘unprecedented.’ Spokesperson for international rights group, Amnesty International put the figure at 100,000 according to AFP.

A key activist Farida Nabourema even pegged estimates at a million people. The turnout comes despite two key actions by the government on Tuesday evening.

Mobile internet was blocked particularly affecting social media networks – Whatsapp and Facebook. Wi-Fi access was available till Wednesday afternoon when it was also shut down.

The government also initiated a cabinet decision to address a key section of the protesters demand, to place a limit on presidential term limits. Despite the move, politicians and activists say it is a ploy by Faure Gnaissengbe to buy time.

The Togolese in #Ghana are also part of the revolution. Today in Nima #Ghana #Togoviwofon #TogoDebout #Togo @emmavitus pic.twitter.com/VMhDMSyK4v

— Farida Nabourema (@Farida_N) September 6, 2017

The people in south (Bè) and north (agoè) managed to bypass tear gas to join the group at the center of the capital. We're winning #Togo pic.twitter.com/zdnID3kpRM

— Farida Nabourema (@Farida_N) September 6, 2017